Judge to review Illinois records in sexual assault case
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) - A judge is deciding whether or not to give defense lawyers access to confidential records related to a woman who has accused a man of raping her during an on-campus orientation event at Illinois State University.
Shawn Childs Jr., 19, is charged with sexual assault and abuse of a 19-year-old woman July 19, the Pantagraph (http://bit.ly/2fI7VxR ) reported.
The state opposed defense lawyer Stephanie Wong's request to subpoena the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for the alleged victim's records.
Wong said the woman's statements to authorities are inconsistent and that the records could contain information about any previous sexual assault claims made by the victim.
"We are entitled to determine the credibility of this young woman," he said. "My client has the absolute right to confront his accuser."
Assistant Attorney General Anapama Parachuri said the disclosure of the documents is inappropriate and irrelevant.
Judge Scott Drazewski ruled that he will review the confidential state records and determine if anything will be submitted to the defense.
Documents given to Wong will be sealed under a protective order.
Childs Jr. remains free on a more than $10,000 bond.
A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25 to review the status of the case.
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Information from: The Pantagraph, http://www.pantagraph.com